January 10, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
A 38-year-old Sparta man lost his life in a two vehicle crash this morning (Tuesday) on Highway 70 at Snow Hill near Trapp Lane.
Dead is Rodney A. Henry.
According to Trooper Brent Collier of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Henry was traveling east in the left lane of Highway 70 in a 2004 Ford Ranger when he crossed over the middle turn lane and entered the west bound left lane striking head on an oncoming 2020 Ford Mustang driven by 34-year-old Matthew Murphy of Springfield who had recently moved here. The Mustang traveled a short distance west after impact before coming to a final rest in the westbound right lane. The Ford Ranger overturned and came to a final rest on its top in the middle turn lane.
Murphy was taken by DeKalb EMS to Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
911 received the call at 4:23 a.m.
In addition to THP, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb EMS were on the scene along with the DeKalb County Fire Department and Extrication and Rescue Team.
Unlike Murphy, Henry was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.